2009 Acura RL User Reviews

Pros

AWD, Handling and Ride

Cons

This is a 2 + 2 really

Purchased As New

This is not my car but my brothers. I like it a lot, however, there is one big flaw and that is that the interior is pretty small. Upfront, it is a little claustrophobic. In the back, even more so, and there is room for two passengers only and not that much either. Note, there is a big transmission hump, so 5 passengers is almost impossible. The best way to think of this is as a sporty 2 + 2.

One thing I do like is the AWD system which is very sophisticated. You can achieve impressive acceleration in terrible traction situations. This car can get through bad weather in ways not possible with an Accord or Civic and feels very solid and sure. Not sure this is everyone's priority, but if you have to occassionally drive on a horse farm or pasture, or up a mountain drive etc it really makes a huge difference. There are not that many luxury sedans that have the same combination of power and drivetrain. Other cars offer 4 wd but do not put the power down as well as the RL.

So, this is definitely not a car for limo service but instead the ultimate executive "got to get there now" car....read morehide

Pros

Great handling. Leading edge technology at a great price

Cons

PAX tires discontinued. Rear view camera negates the "touch to open trunk" feature.

Purchased As New

This is the third and best Acura I've owned. The technology makes it a joy to drive. The radar-assisted cruise control is the only cruise control I've ever used more than once. After a 200 mile round trip to the office I'm ready to do it all over again.

It has more than enough power to get you out of trouble, pull away from idiots and get you through the mountains at high speed.

It's a pity that they're discontinuing the run-flat tires. Similar tires almost certainly saved my life on one occasion in Europe.

If they bring out a V8 next year I'll consider it as long as they don't drop any of the high tech features.

I'd also like them to completely eliminate any blind spots. That's the only quibble I have with this car. It's a joy to own. The dealer is great and it will take a lot to get me to go near a Lexus, Merc. or BMW again....read morehide

Cons

Driver side door handle

Purchased As New

Driver side door handle (the door does not unlock when I put my hand on it) has not worked since I purchased the vehicle. The door handle was changed four times without any results. The dealer I went to was very helpful. However, the tech line from the Acura company itself was not helpful. Their answer was that this is the "nature of the beast". They told me that I had to live with this. The tech informed the dealer that the silver colored cars have this problem and they do not know how to fix it....read morehide

Pros

Cool Features, Nice handling

Cons

Price

Purchased As New

The 2009 RL is a wonderful and luxorious car. Considering this is one of the top of the line vehicle that Acura makes, the horse power, engine, comfortness and reliability is all excllent. Gotta test drive one yourself at your local dealer.

Pros

lots of Tech features,GPS, DVD Audio surround sound. Good ride and performance

Cons

Takes a while to learn how to use all the commands on the console

I like the quality materials used on the interior and attention to details.
The ride is smooth and the car is quiet. SH-AWD is a major plus and the Tech package is loaded with goodies like backup color camera, great audio system and Voice command Navigation package with real time traffic and weather . I'm impressed...read morehide

Pros

More torque, more responsive, comfortable cruiser and agile performer

Cons

I'd ask for a V8 but fuel economy for the V6 is already shocking, still not that roomy

The new RL is overall an improvement over the previous generation. Its looks will grow on you (a little) and its definitely more of a sports sedan than it was. The engine is more powerful but BMW's twin turbo just outshines it in every way (including fuel economy) and the Lexus GS350 offers identical horsepower and torque. And although the car has grown in just about every dimension there's no noticable difference inside. Thankfully the seats are extremely comfortable (I love the cooled seats in FL) and its an attractive interior. Taking this car into corners you'll be suprised at how the car hangs on at high speeds. Thanks to more torque, it can now pass cars more effortlessly and maintain speed up a steep hill without much effort. My only serious complaint has to do with the fuel economy. I average about 20 mpg (mostly highway driving) with this car. That's what V8 engines do (sometimes better). Yes, it has 300 bhp but so does Lexus and BMW and they get better fuel economy. Acura is definitely headed in the right direction but they still need to fix a few things before they can scare BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Lexus, Jaguar, ect....read morehide